Allow me to step back in time for a moment, in fact almost five years. The ‘Blog” here on Black Dress Photography® only came about recently and it’s taken me until today to find a moment in the present time to write this post.
It was the middle of 2021 and we were all into the second year of Covid. The previous year & a half had taken its toll and it wasn’t over yet. We were all in a different world and still trying to make sense of things.
Around May I was contacted by Carlos Valenzuela. Who amongst many other accomplishments is a contributing author for Modern Salon Magazine and an industry educator, having had an illustrious career in the professional styling, salon and beauty industry.
On June 8, 2021 Carlos and I met over Zoom to discuss his concept for a three part article he wanted to write for the magazine. His concept was “Macho Makeup: when men cover up and not glam up”.
Subsequent to that meeting we had Zoom meetings with Hairdresser Jason Ashkenazi and our MUA Catie Fisher-Moffitt.
Unfortunately Jason is no longer with us, as he passed away less that two months from when I last saw him in December of 2023.
Catie is the owner operator of Siren Skin Care in Tucson. Be sure to check out her website and service offerings.
So, we’ve had all our Zoom meetings and things were lining up for a photoshoot on July 18, 2021. One thing I needed to nail down was a studio in Tucson, AZ. Although I know several studio owners in Tucson, the best option for this shoot was at Chris Mooney’s. Chris & I negotiated a rate for the day and got things dialed in. Thanks again Chris!
We all arrived bright and early on that Sunday morning. Well actually, my assistant Persephone and I arrived a bit sooner than the rest of the crew, as we had to set up for the shoot. Next came Carlos, Catie, & Jason. After that our three models to play the parts, the Gaucho, a Viking and and a Space Ship Captain.
Carlos wanted this to be a collaborative effort with everyone involved and I remember Catie being so excited on set, as she was able to contribute her ideas on the Viking model.
There are two distinct things I remember from that day, one it was a lot of fun and two, it definitely boosted my spirits in a very trying time!
Best wishes,
Kevin
Macho Makeup Part One: The Concept
Macho Makeup Part Two: The Photo Shoot
Macho Makeup Part 3: The Final Looks
Modern Salon articles by Carlos Valenzuela
